Are you concerned about asymmetry in your lips? Do you wish your lips were fuller? Do you have wrinkles around your mouth that do not disappear regardless of anti-wrinkle cream use? If so, you may be the perfect candidate for Juvederm Volbella injections at Xanadu Med Spa in Fort Collins, CO. Today, our aesthetic experts are looking at what this treatment does, how quickly it works, and much more.
How Can You Get Fuller Lips? Discover Juvederm Volbella
On August 3, 2015, Juvederm submitted a request to the FDA for approval for Volbella. Over the course of nearly 10 months, the FDA reviewed the results of several independent clinical trials and determined on May 31, 2016 that this injectable was both safe and effective. Specifically, the FDA determined that this injectable was effective for the:
- Reversal of oral commissures
- Reversal of smoker’s lines
- Improvement of vermilion border definition
- Improvement of cupid’s bow definition
- Correction of lip asymmetry
However, the FDA’s seal of approval for the effective treatment of several cosmetic concerns does not provide the full picture of the benefits of this treatment. For example, this lip enhancement treatment lasts roughly three times longer than other lip volumizing treatments.
How Long Can You Expect This Treatment to Last?
As a good rule of thumb, you can expect the final results of this injectable dermal filler to last for roughly 18 months. This is exceptionally notable because other dermal fillers that can be used to augment the lips only last for roughly six months. Most fillers fail to provide lasting lip volumization because your lips are so active every day. Your lips move when you drink, eat, breathe through your mouth, smile, frown, laugh, sing, and talk.
However, every time you move your mouth, you break down the injected filler a little more. Also of note, your final results won’t vanish overnight 18 months after they become apparent. Instead, they will fade gradually. It may be several months before you notice the final results fading, and it will probably be several months before your results fade to the point of warranting a follow-up session.
What’s the Secret Behind the Long-Lasting Results?
The key to results that last for three times longer than other lip augmenting dermal fillers is collagen. Specifically, the hyaluronic acid in the Juvederm Volbella formula is bioidentical to the hyaluronic acid that your skin produces, and your body responds to the extra hyaluronic acid by producing more collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and one of the most important supportive structures in your skin.
The final results of this treatment last so long because they are not due to hyaluronic acid; hyaluronic acid is metabolized by the skin far too quickly to provide lasting results. Rather, the final results of this treatment last so long because they come from the volumization of extra collagen. This essential protein is far more robust than hyaluronic acid.
How Can I Make the Results of My Treatment Last Longer?
To ensure the results of your Volbella injections last for as long as possible, you need to protect the health of your collagen. Unfortunately, there are many factors that can damage collagen, including unprotected sun exposure, tobacco consumption, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies. One of the best things you can do to ensure your final treatment results last for as long as possible is to ensure you remain hydrated after your treatment.
Depending on your activity level and weight, you may need to drink between 64 and 128 ounces of hydrating fluids daily to ensure you and your skin remain hydrated. Also, moisturizing your skin once or twice daily depending on your skin type will also help to extend the final results. You should also avoid tobacco consumption and only drink alcohol in moderation if you want your results to last for as long as possible.
How Quickly Do the Results of This Treatment Become Apparent?
The results of this treatment become apparent very quickly. You will be able to see the initial results of your treatment as soon as we have finished administering your injections. This is because the hyaluronic acid-based gel we inject provides a little volume to the foundational layer of your skin. Also, your skin is a little volumized because the hyaluronic acid (HA) in the gel attracts water molecules to the area and keeps them there.
As for the final results, you can expect them to become apparent approximately 10 to 14 days after your injections. To see your final results as quickly as possible, you need to ensure your skin has everything it needs to produce ample amounts of collagen. Specifically, you need to make sure you are hydrated and eating plenty of protein and vitamin C.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
You need to come in for an initial consultation in Fort Collins, CO to determine whether you are a good candidate for Juvederm Volbella injections. However, there is a very good chance that you will qualify for this treatment if you have concerns about the appearance of your mouth and lips. Note, you do not need to worry about taking an allergy test to determine whether you qualify for this treatment due to the bioidentical HA in the formula.
However, we do need to know about all of your known allergies, including a known allergy to lidocaine. We offer Volbella XC; the XC indicates the presence of lidocaine in the formula. This addition to the formula is useful for most people because it is an injectable numbing medication. However, if you are allergic to lidocaine, you will not be considered an ideal candidate for this treatment.
Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
Even if you aren’t allergic to lidocaine, Volbella XC still may not be right for you. For example, you will be considered a poor fit for this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The FDA has not approved this treatment for such individuals due to a lack of studies on the effects of the injectable on such individuals.
Also, you will not be considered a good candidate for this treatment if you are interested in erasing smoker’s lines but your smoker’s lines are caused by excessive muscle contractions. If your smoker’s lines are caused by excessive muscle contractions, Botox may be a better fit for you. Additionally, you will not be considered a good fit for this treatment if you cannot follow all preparation instructions.
How Must I Prepare for This Treatment?
To prepare for your Juvederm injections, you must go several days without taking any blood-thinning pharmaceuticals, including garlic supplements, NSAIDs, and fish oil supplements.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation in Fort Collins, CO
Juvederm Volbella can be used to volumize your lips quickly and effectively. It can also be used to erase smoker’s lines, better define the cupid’s bow, and better define the vermilion border. If you think you could benefit from volumizing your lips and erasing mouth lines, contact us today at Xanadu Med Spa in Fort Collins, CO to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the plumpest pout.